Our Team at Hays Associates

Jim Hays

Jim Hays established, owns and is president of Hays Associates, Inc., a company engaged in planning, design and construction of homes, landscapes and neighborhoods. Jim’s talent and vision have guided the company for over 25 years. His attention to detail and care are apparent in the projects undertaken by Hays Associates, Inc. Projects since 1975 include over 125 homes valued from $100,000 to over $2,000,000.

Jim also has a lifelong interest and substantial experience in land restoration, stormwater management and erosion control. Ecologically friendly developments include Pueblo San Marcos with 18 adobe and frame town homes and Kachina Hills with 25 lots and adobe homes for the more affluent homeowner.

Jim graduated from Rice University with a degree in History (1973) and has since taken courses in both Solar Energy and Natural Stream Design. He has served on the City of Santa Fe Planning Commission, the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, and maintains an active involvement in various community activities. Jim also enjoys golf, skiing, scuba diving, and back packing in the Rocky Mountains. He and Laura Hays have lived in Santa Fe since 1973, many of those years with son Gabriel, now a professional musician in New York City.

Laura Hays

Laura Hays is co-owner and Vice President of Hays Associates, Inc. She has been involved in the company since its inception, in the early years providing on site craftsmanship such as fine quality flagstone patios and landscaping.

She continues to oversee the accounting, and helps with establishing company goals and in evaluating business opportunities. She also is involved in marketing and entertaining. Laura is a strong advocate of adobe building, and eco-friendly development.

Laura graduated from Rice University in 1973 with a BA degree in mathematics and psychology. She and Jim moved to Santa Fe shortly after graduation, and she went to work for the local food co-op. Laura has also worked as a Realtor, and was co-owner of a computer consulting firm in the 1980’s. She enjoys playing piano, golfing, skiing, and scuba diving. She has recently completed her first novel.

Dave Forester

Dave Forester is the Operations Manager for Hays Associates, Inc. Along with Jim, Dave works directly with our clients in planning, designing, and building their home. His duties also include managing subcontractors, estimating, purchasing, and occasional work on site.

A native of Las Vegas, NM, Dave graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs in 1994 with a BA in Southwest Studies.

After college, Dave moved to Santa Fe where he owned and managed the Santa Fe Brewing Company, a small but popular microbrewery.

Luis Salcido

Luis Salcido is highly skilled in many areas of construction, and is a project foreman.

He and his crew work in all phases of the construction and often build fireplaces, set tile, and do finish carpentry work.

Manuel Rodriquez

Manuel Rodriquez usually works directly with Luis and is graced with the "builder’s knack".

He also has highly developed skills in the general building trades.